GENEVA (21 January 2010) - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, Martin Scheinin, will undertake an official visit to Tunisia from 22 to 26 January, at the invitation of the Government.

The Special Rapporteur is scheduled to have high level meetings with Government officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and for Justice and Human Rights. He is further expected to engage with the judiciary, law enforcement, parliamentarians and the High Committee on Human Rights and Fundamental Liberties. He will also meet with representatives of the international community, lawyers, academics and non-governmental organizations.

During his mission to the country, the UN expert on human rights and counter-terrorism will also visit places of detention to interview persons suspected of or convicted for terrorist crimes.

At the end of his visit, on Tuesday, 26 January 2010, at noon, the Special Rapporteur will hold a press conference to share his preliminary observations with journalists at “Hôtel Africa” in Tunis.

Mr. Scheinin will present a mission report containing his findings relating to Tunisia’s counter-terrorism legislation and practice and concrete recommendations to a future session of the Human Rights Council, with the objective of helping to ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in the fight against terrorism.

Martin Scheinin was appointed Special Rapporteur by the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in August 2005. The mandate was renewed by Human Rights Council in December 2007. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any Government and serves in his individual capacity. He is Professor of Public International Law at the European University Institute in Florence.